August 27 Scrap Battery Market Transaction Summary [SMM Daily Review]

SMM, August 27:

China’s waste lead-acid battery market prices remained stable today, with smelters in a few regions slightly adjusting prices by 50-100 yuan/mt. Recyclers reported that sentiment among larger players to hold back from selling stayed firm as lead prices stabilized, with shipments temporarily halted, and supply tightness showed no signs of easing. On the demand side, battery plants’ orders improved, and full production is expected in September; additionally, the 4% consumption tax on lithium batteries in September could allow lead-acid battery orders to return, potentially boosting procurement demand for secondary lead and scrap batteries thereafter. Overall, circulating supply remained tight, and scrap battery prices were stable in the short term, requiring attention to the progress of battery plant operating rates and changes in procurement demand from secondary lead smelters.